Composition container with a rubbing element

ABSTRACT

A device for applying a composition to a surface is described. The device includes a container for holding the composition. The container includes at least one opening through which the composition is dispensed and applied to the surface. The device also includes a rubbing element that is disposed on an external surface of the container. The rubbing element facilitates application of the composition to the surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a container for holding a composition, and more particularly relates to a container for holding a composition that includes a rubbing element to facilitate application of the composition to a surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compositions, such as personal care compositions, are a regular part of many people's lives. For example, such personal care compositions may include ingredients to remove odor, cleanse, moisturize or otherwise promote the health of a user's skin. Examples of such compositions include body washes, soaps, cleansing gels and the like. Such compositions also include compositions to be applied to other parts of an individual such as the hair. For example hair fixatives, hair colorants, and other hair treatments are applied to enhance the health and beauty of one's hair. Still further such compositions may even be used on non-human users such as animals.

These compositions are held in containers, and in some examples, the containers are used directly in application of the composition. For example, a deodorant composition is housed in a container and the container with corresponding housing is placed against the skin and moved across the skin. The friction force form the motion of the composition against the skin dislodges portions of the composition leaving them on the skin to perform their intended function.

The proper and thorough application of these compositions impacts their efficacy in cleaning, de-odorizing or carrying out any function. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a container that aids, and even improves, the application of the composition to the surface, such as a skin surface. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for applying a composition to a surface is described. The device includes a container for holding the composition. The container has at least one opening through which the composition is dispensed and applied to the surface. The device also includes at least one rubbing element disposed on an external surface of the container. The at least one rubbing element facilitates, and improves, application of the composition to the surface.

The present application also describes a device for applying a composition to a surface. The device includes a container for holding the composition. The container has at least one opening through which the composition is applied to the surface. The device also includes at least one antimicrobial rubbing element. The antimicrobial rubbing element is disposed on an external surface of the container that surrounds the at least one opening. The at least one antimicrobial rubbing element facilitates application of the composition to the surface.

The present disclosure also describes a personal care composition application device. The device includes a container for holding the composition. The container includes at least one opening through which the personal care composition is applied to the surface. The device also includes at least one antimicrobial protrusion disposed on an external surface of the container that surrounds the at least one opening. The at least one antimicrobial protrusion facilitates application of the composition to the surface. The device also includes a dispenser to push the personal care composition out of the container and a grip element to enhance friction when the device is held by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a container with a rubbing element for dispensing a composition according to the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a container with a rubbing element for dispensing a composition according to the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a container with a rubbing element for dispensing a composition according to the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention.

As described above, compositions, and personal care compositions in particular, are commonly used by most individuals. Such compositions are applied regularly applied every day, with some compositions being applied multiple times per day. Proper application of the composition to the surface enhances the cleansing function, or other function for which the composition is intended. This enhanced function promotes customer satisfaction and therefore could potentially result in increased profits for the entity that enhances the composition.

Accordingly, the principles described herein provide a container that includes at least one rubbing element. The rubbing element(s) on the container enhance the application of the composition to a surface, such as a skin surface. The rubbing element does this via a number of mechanisms. For example, the rubbing element(s) may incorporate oxygen into the composition to generate a foam thereby increasing the cleaning effect. In another example, the rubbing element(s) separate fibers such as hair strands to allow the composition to penetrate deeper into the hair. Still further, the rubbing element(s) may exfoliate skin, again allowing a composition to penetrate deeper onto a skin surface.

Accordingly, the container disclosed herein may improve the efficacy of a composition disposed therein by enhancing the application of the composition via the rubbing element(s).

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “irregularities” refers broadly to any mechanism used to incorporate, or apply, the composition onto a surface. Examples of such irregularities include columns, bristles, bumps, or other protrusions from the device.

Further, as used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “a number of” or similar language may include any positive number, including one to infinity; zero not being a number, but the absence of a number.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a container (100) with at least one rubbing element(s) (102) for applying a composition (104) to a surface, according to the principles described herein. The composition (104) is held within a container (100). The container (100) includes at least one opening through which the composition (104) is dispensed and applied to a surface such as a skin surface. For example, the composition (104), upon activation of the dispenser (106) extends beyond the top surface of the container (100) and can be applied to skin. Accordingly, the container (100) also includes a dispenser to dispense the composition (104). For example, the composition (104) can be extended above a top surface of the container (100) by rotating a dial (104), or a knob, positioned at the bottom of the container (100). As the dial (104) is rotated, a platform internal to the container (100) moves up and pushes the composition (104) with it. While specific reference is made to a dial (104) dispenser, any type of dispenser may be used to place the composition (104) into a position where it can be applied to a surface such as skin.

Any appropriate type of container (100) may be used to hold and apply the composition (104) to skin. For example, a container (100) with an oval cross section may be used to hold the composition (104). Also, a container (100) with a more cylindrical cross section may be used in some examples. The container (100) may have any appropriate shape in accordance with the principles described herein. The container (100) may be sized to fit in the hand of a user. For example, the container (100) may be the size of a deodorant stick such that it can be applied by a single hand of a user.

The container (100) may be formed of plastic or another suitable material that retains an amount of the composition (104). Accordingly, the container (100) may be formed using any number of methods including blow molding, injection molding, and injection blow molding in addition to other forming operations.

In some examples, the container (100) includes a protective cover such as a lid. During use, the lid of the container (100) is removed and the composition (104) exposed for application to a surface. When not in use, the lid of the container (100) is replaced such that the device can be cleanly transported without depositing the composition (104) on any bag or other transport device that may be holding the container (100) and composition (104). Via the container (100), a user applies the composition (104) to skin or another surface by rubbing the composition (104) across the skin, hair or other application surface. While specific reference is made to skin and hair, the composition (104) may be applied to other surfaces such as animal skin and animal hair/fur.

The device includes at least one rubbing element (102). For simplicity a single instance of a rubbing element (102) is indicated with a reference number. The rubbing element(s) (102) are disposed on an external surface of the container (100) and facilitates application of the composition (104) to the surface. During use, a user positions the rubbing element(s) (102) against a surface and via hand movement, applies the composition (104) to the skin. The movement also deforms the rubbing element (102) to facilitate enhanced application via abrasion, exfoliation, separation of fibers, and foam generation.

The rubbing element (102) may take multiple forms. For example, the rubbing element (102) may include at least one protrusion such as those depicted in FIG. 1. The protrusions may be columns, or other protrusions that protrude from an external surface of the container (100). As depicted in FIG. 1, the surface from which the columns protrude may be the surface that defines the opening through which the composition (104) is dispensed. In other words, the rubbing element(s) (102) may be disposed on the rim of the opening through which the composition (104) is dispensed. Locating the rubbing element(s) (102) near the exposed composition (104) is beneficial in that it allows for the simultaneous application of the composition (104) to the skin and rubbing effect of the rubbing element(s) (102). In other words, in a single motion the composition (104) is applied and the rubbing element(s) (102) are engaged to enhance the application of the composition (104). However, while FIG. 1 depicts the rubbing element(s) (102) as extending from a surface that defines the opening, the rubbing element(s) (102) may be formed on a different, or additional surface of the container (100).

While FIG. 1 depicts the rubbing element(s) (102) as multiple columnar protrusions, the rubbing element (102) may take other forms such as a foam material, a loofah, bumps, or a synthetic net that are similarly disposed on a surface of the container (100). As described above these different materials, or rubbing element(s) (102) may similarly be disposed around a rim of the opening. In other examples, as described below in connection with FIG. 2, the rubbing element(s) (102) may be disposed across a portion of a top surface of the container (100).

The rubbing element(s) (102) facilitate, and enhance, the deposition of the composition (104) on a surface. For example, when the composition (104) is applied to hair, the rubbing element(s) (102) displace different hair strands to allow the composition (104) to penetrate deeper into the hair fibers. In another example, when the composition (104) is applied to skin, the rubbing element(s) (102) exfoliate skin particles to allow the composition (104) to more deeply penetrate the dermis. Still further, the rubbing element(s) (102) may mix the composition (104) with oxygen to increase the effect of the composition (104) by increasing a foaming effect of the composition (104). In yet another example, the rubbing element(s) (102) facilitate abrasive cleaning when the composition (104) is applied to the surface.

The rubbing element(s) (102) may have different characteristics. For example, the rubbing element(s) (102) may be of different types including a sponge, a foam material, a loofah, or protrusions form a surface of the container (100). The rubbing element(s) (102) may be made out of a number of materials including silicone. The protrusion type rubbing element(s) (102) and other rubbing element (102) types may have different properties. The properties of the rubbing element(s) (102) are selected based on a number of criteria including at least a composition (104) type and a surface type. Examples of such properties include a durometer, or softness of the rubbing element (102). The durometer of the rubbing element(s) (102) defines how a rubbing element (102) bends in response to a force. Another example of a property includes a coefficient of friction of the rubbing element(s) (102). The coefficient of friction of a rubbing element (102) indicates a frictional force applied on a surface by the rubbing element (102). In yet another example, a profile of the rubbing element (102) is selected based on one of the criteria. A profile of a rubbing element (102) refers to the cross-sectional shape, size, and overall dimension of a rubbing element (102). In yet another example, the quantity of rubbing element(s) (102) disposed on the container (102) may be selected based on the composition type or surface type.

Another property of the rubbing element(s) (102) that may be selected is the material of the rubbing element (102). For example, the rubbing element may be formed from a silicon material, a rubber material, or a plastic material, each material being selected to satisfy different criteria. The rubbing element(s) (102) are formed of a different material than the container (100). For example, the container (100) is formed of a material that is rigid and stiff, while the rubbing element(s) (102) is formed of a material that deforms when a force is applied, for example, the force of moving the container (100), and specifically the composition (104) against the surface. In any of these cases, the rubbing element(s) (102) maybe coated with, or formed from, an antimicrobial material so as to prevent the contamination of the composition (104) and the device from microbial contaminants. More specifically, when not in use, remaining moisture on the rubbing element(s) (102) or in the environment surrounding the rubbing element(s) (102), such as a shower, may facilitate bacterial growth. This bacterial growth may inhibit, the effect of the rubbing element(s) (102) and the sight and smell of such bacteria may prompt a user to discard the rubbing element(s) (102). Accordingly, an antimicrobial material of the rubbing element(s) (102) reduces, or prevents, this bacterial growth on the rubbing element(s) (102) itself.

Including the rubbing element(s) (102) on the container (100) is beneficial in that it provides a single device that 1) contains the composition (104) and 2) enhances the application, and thereby the efficacy, of the composition (104). Such an inclusion of the rubbing element(s) (102) on a container (100) is unique in the field.

As described the container (100) includes a composition (104). The composition (104) may be used for various purposes and may take various forms. For example, the composition (104) may be intended to be applied to skin. Examples, of compositions (104) that are applied to skin include, but are not limited to, a body wash, a face wash, a hand wash, an acne treatment, a soap, a lotion, a sun blocking agent, an antiperspirant composition, a deodorant composition, an antiperspirant and deodorant composition, and a shaving cream. In other examples, the composition (104) is intended to be applied to hair. Examples of such hair compositions (104) include, but are not limited to a hair fixative, a hair conditioner, and an anti-frizz hair treatment. While specific examples are given to specific types of compositions (104) and different surfaces to which the composition (104) is applied, the composition (104) may be any number of different types of compositions (104) applied to any number of different surfaces, surfaces such as animal skin and animal hair/fur.

The composition (104) may be a semi-solid composition (104). A semi-solid composition (104) is a composition (104) that is not hard. In other words, the composition (104) may be a soft solid. A solid, or semi-solid, composition (104) maintains a defined shape when not in the container (104). For example, the composition (104) may be a semi-solid soap stick. As a soft, or semi, solid, the particles of the composition (104) to not have sufficient inter-particulate cohesion to overcome the force of friction. In other words, as the composition (104) is moved over a surface such as skin, the friction force between the skin and the composition (104) is greater than the cohesive bonds between the particles of the composition (104) such that those particles are deposited on the surface and then carry out their intended function, whether that function be a cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, odor-reducing, or antiperspirant function.

In other examples, the composition (104) may not have a form when not included in a container (100). In other words, the composition (104) may be a gel composition (104) or a powder composition (104). As will be described in connection with FIG. 2, when used with a gel composition (104), the container (100) may include a grate for the application of the gel composition (104). In this example, similarly when a friction force is applied to the composition (104) as the composition (104) is slid across a surface, various particles of the gel composition (104) are dislodged and positioned on the surface. A difference between the gel composition (104) and the semi-solid, or soft, composition (104) is the amount of friction to dislodge particles from the composition (104) body.

In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, the composition (104) may include other ingredients to improve the application aesthetics, contact aesthetics, or other characteristics of the composition (104). For example, the composition (104) may include a structurant. A structurant may be any compound or mixture configured to give shape, or structure to the composition (104). Accordingly, the composition (104) may include any compound or mixture that is configured to give shape, or structure to the composition (104). Other examples of ingredients in the composition (104) include an emollient, an anti-bacterial additive, a dye, an antioxidant, a fragrance, a moisturizer, a skin conditioner, a pigment, and a preservative.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a container (100) with rubbing element(s) (102) for dispensing a composition (FIG. 1, 104) according to the principles described herein. As described above, in some examples, the composition (FIG. 1, 104) may be a gel composition that does not have a shape outside of the container (100). In this example, the container (100) has a top surface (208) that has multiple openings (210) that form a grate. In this example, the gel composition (FIG. 1, 104) is pushed through the openings (210) in the grate as the dial (106) is rotated. In other words, rotation of the dial (106) moves a platform internal to the container (100) which correspondingly moves the composition (FIG. 1, 104) through the openings (210) in the grate to be distributed on a surface such as a person's skin. The grate formed by the number of openings (210) regulates the amount of composition (104) that is dispensed onto a surface and also provides for a greater area on which the rubbing element(s) are disposed on.

As with the example depicted in FIG. 1, the container (100) also includes at least one rubbing element(s) (102). As depicted in FIG. 2, the rubbing element(s) (102) may be disposed on a surface of the container (100) that defines the openings (210). In the case where the container (100) includes a top surface (208) that defines the openings (210), the rubbing element(s) (102) are disposed on this top surface (208). FIG. 2 depicts how a top surface (208) with a grate of openings (210) allows for a greater surface area on which the rubbing element(s) (102) can be disposed. In this example, the rubbing element(s) (102) are disposed along the cross beams formed between the openings (210) of the grate.

While FIG. 2 depicts a particular pattern and orientation of rubbing element(s) (102) covering a particular portion of the top surface (208), any number and quantity of rubbing element(s) (102) may be placed in any pattern covering any portion of the surface (208). For example, as depicted in FIG. 2, the rubbing element(s) (102) may cover a portion that is less than the entire top surface (208). In another example, the rubbing element(s) (102) may cover the entirety of the top surface (208). The rubbing element(s) (102) may include any number or pattern of individual rubbing element(s) (102) disposed on the top surface (208).

Again, the top surface (208) having a grate of openings (210) includes many benefit including increasing the surface area on which rubbing element(s) (102) can be placed and therefore allows for more rubbing element(s) (102) to be placed on the container. This increased number of rubbing element(s) (102) further increases the efficacy of the composition (104) by even further agitating, exfoliating, separating, or otherwise enhancing the application of the composition (104) to the skin. Such a top surface (208) with rubbing element(s) (102) disposed thereon is unique to the field.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a container (100) with a rubbing element (102) for dispensing a composition (104) according to the principles described herein. In some examples, the container (100) includes a grip element (312) to enhance friction when the device is held by a user. For example, in the presence of water and surfactants, for example when using the device in a shower, the water and surfactants may make the container (100) slippery and difficult to handle. Accordingly, the grip elements (312) increase friction to reduce this effect. This is especially beneficial if the container (100) is the handled during application of the composition (104). For example, during application, a certain amount of force is used to move the container (100) along a skin surface to deposit the composition (104). However, when wet or otherwise slippery, a user may have difficulty generating enough force to move the container (100) along the skin surface. Moreover, a wet or slippery container (100) is more prone to being dropped and/or broken and the composition (104) therein also being rendered unsatisfactory for use. Such grip elements (312) alleviate this condition. The grip elements (312) may include an indentation for a thumb or other digit. Other examples of grip elements (312) include texturing ridges, bumps, silicone, or other rubber features, and finger grooves.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for applying a composition to a surface comprising: a container for holding the composition, wherein the container comprises at least one opening through which the composition is dispensed and applied to the surface; and at least one rubbing element disposed on an external surface of the container to facilitate application of the composition to the surface.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition is applied to skin.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition is applied to hair.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the container comprises multiple openings and the composition is forced through the multiple openings while being dispensed from the container.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one rubbing element is disposed on a surface of the container that defines the at least one opening.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one rubbing element is formed of an antimicrobial material.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition is a semi-solid composition.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition is a gel composition.
 9. A device for applying a composition to a surface comprising: a container for holding the composition, wherein the container comprises at least one opening through which the composition is applied to the surface; and at least one antimicrobial rubbing element disposed on an external surface of the container that surrounds the opening, the at least one antimicrobial rubbing element to facilitate application of the composition to the surface.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one antimicrobial rubbing element is formed of at least one of a silicon material, a rubber material, or a plastic material.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one antimicrobial rubbing element comprises at least one of a foam, a sponge, a loofah, bumps, or a synthetic net.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one antimicrobial rubbing element comprises columns that extend from the external surface of the receptacle.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one antimicrobial rubbing element is integral to the container.
 14. The device of claim 9, wherein the composition is at least one of a body wash, a face wash, an acne treatment, a soap, a lotion, a sun blocking agent, a hair fixative, a hair conditioner, an anti-frizz hair treatment, an antiperspirant composition, a deodorant composition, an antiperspirant and deodorant composition, and a shaving cream.
 15. A personal care composition application device comprising: a container for holding the composition, wherein the container comprises at least one opening through which the personal care composition is applied to the surface; at least one antimicrobial protrusion disposed on an external surface of the container that surrounds the opening, the at least one antimicrobial protrusion to facilitate application of the composition to the surface; a dispenser to push the personal care composition out of the container; and a grip element to enhance friction when the device is held by a user.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one opening comprises multiple openings forming a grate on the external surface.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the composition is a gel composition that is forced through the grate as the dispenser is activated.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one antimicrobial protrusion is disposed on cross beams formed by the grate.
 19. The device of claim 15, further comprising a lid disposed over the at least opening when the device is not in use.
 20. The device of claim 15, wherein the container is formed of a material different from the at least one antimicrobial protrusion. 